After all, it took a big defensive play in the end zone by Sherman and teammate Malcolm Smith to preserve a 23-17 victory over the 49ers in the NFC championship -- an extremely close contest that didn't at all resemble the blowout that took place at MetLife Stadium two weeks later.

But Peyton Manning and the Broncos had a record-setting season. Never can tell what would have happened if they faced the 49ers head-to-head. Maybe the Seahawks were just a bad matchup for them.

Which team do you think deserves to be called the NFL's runner-up of the 2013 season?